Bodgit

Large thought dump today -

OK so now we have visas and a start date - what is the best value way to get to NZ?

I will have to travel alone, (as will the better half when she joins me), and all I have seen so far, (no real research), is the Air NZ mails ads coming through.

Any recommendations on airlines? Routes? Stopovers?

So much to ask and so many out there who will have done it before.

Hope you can help.

CC

Buzzy--Bee

I say go via LA with Air NZ - you get 46kg luggage allowance each instead of 20kg with other airlines.

Travelmood (www.travelmood.co.uk) are an Air NZ wholesaler and normally have great bargains.

Cheers

Buzzy

beaudixon

Hi,

LA is ok but if you want to fly to Christchurch you have to go via Auckland and then internal flight - until 1st November when you can get direct LA-CHC.

Also, if you have a work visa you can fly on a one way ticket and then flying via Singapore you get additional luggage allowance.

Personally we prefer Singapore and are planning this route when we fly out in October. Much nicer stopover as you can walk/bus/underground easily. In LA you HAVE to have a car!!!!

Neil

Joshlin

we did the LA route as a return journey (Air NZ) then did the one way trip with Malaysian via Kuala Lampur - found the KL route much better - following the time difference rather than going against it seemed to help with the jetlag plus KL much nicer airport when you've only got short stops as we had. Mal air very good value - 2 ads 2 ch one way £1300 Oct 05

brackley

we've been over to nz 2ce and used a guy from the flightcentre, andy frostic 02088768400, he has also arranged trips for numerous friends to oz and nz all have been very pleased. recommed far east route, dreadful getting through la airport according to many people. we flew malaysian and stayed in lankawi for a few nights, beautiful island and cheap, hot deserted beaches. the flight from london goes directly there on a sun and mon then on to kl.
good luck and have a good flight.

Stevemw

.... dreadful getting through la airport according to many people....

You're not kidding. The US authorities seem to manage the LA stopover using techniques perfected in Guantanamo bay ! If you want to be treated like a human being, go by a different route.
We're going over in May with Singapore Airlines - pricing was identical to Air NZ. Luggage allowance is less but a) we avoid LA and b) it's direct to Christchurch.
Cheers,
Steve

SarahB

We came here via LA.... absolutely no problems at all. My parents came out here a few weeks ago and never had any problems at LAX either.

MattH

Air NZ/LAX has been fine for us both times we've flown to NZ - think it's a bit of a myth tbh. Air NZ also fly direct to Christchurch from November I think?

Matt

KiwiDollie

The first time we came to NZ we flew Air NZ via LAX... never again! Hated it.

This time we flew via Singapore with Singapore Airlines..... heaven - know which one I'd recommend....

Stevemw

Maybe things have changed since, but in February '05 it certainly wasn't a myth. You get off the plane and are herded about the airport and forced to queue (standing) for an hour or more, waiting to be fingerprinted and photographed. Once through the system (which is staffed by just two officers) you are confined to a cramped and seedy room with nothing but plastic-wrapped biscuits, machine coffee and a few apples to keep you going until eventually being allowed back onto your plane.
After some considerable time we were fastracked through the queue in the grounds of having a child (13 years old!) with us. Bizarrely they didn't seem to mind making my white haired 78 year old father-in-law stand for hours. LAX certainly won't be earning any more transit fees from my family.
Yes, I think you are right that Air NZ are planning to start direct flights to CHC.
Regards,
Steve